Abstract : This paper examines the conditions of security. alliance, and forward presence in which U.S. military forces may operate in the Asia-Pacific region's near and distant future. The analysis includes: (1) a mid-decade overview of the Asia-Pacific economic, energy, environmental, political, and social development environment; (2) assessment of the near- or longer- term conflict potential and prospects in the region; (3) examination of emerging security alignments, ambitions and balances in Asia-Pacific security; (4) evaluation of the region's experience with and prospects for multilateral security arrangements; and (5) priority areas for U.S. defense policy and planning for the Asia-Pacific over the next several years.